A bipartisan group of senators introduced a plan that
would temporarily strip guns from individuals deemed to be a
threat to themselves or others.

The order would require a hearing and evidence, or it
would lapse after two weeks.

WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of senators on Thursday
introduced a new plan to immediately restrict access to firearms
for individuals in certain crisis situations.

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Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican, and Richard
Blumenthal of Connecticut, a Democrat, brought forth the "Federal
Extreme Risk Protection Order Act," which would create a system
for family members or household members to report a person
thought to be a risk to themselves or others, which would prompt
law enforcement to take their firearms and hold a swift hearing.

The plan would require the family member petitioning to provide
"probable cause to believe that a person poses a risk of imminent
injury to him/herself or others and that an [Extreme Risk
Protection Order] is necessary to eliminate that danger,"
according to a summary of the legislation.

The ERPO would lapse after 14 days, with a hearing provided
within 72 hours of its issuing. During the 14-day period, those
deemed at risk would have to surrender any guns or ammunition to
a US Marshal or designated law enforcement officer. If petitions
are deemed frivolous or without foundation, accusers would face
legal penalties.

Graham said he has spoken with Vice President Mike Pence about
similar plans and that "it seeks to balance the Second Amendment
rights of the individual with concerns from law enforcement and
family members about those who may be experiencing a mental
health crisis."

"The bill we introduce today is a starting point," he said. "It's
the place where we begin a long-overdue discussion about firearms
and mental health. But we must start."

Blumenthal called Republicans' openness to the plan a "bipartisan
breakthrough" and "major promising development."

"The Parkland shooting illustrates why this law is important,"
Blumenthal said in a press conference, referencing the deadly
school shooting in Parkland, Florida last month. "There were
plenty of warning signs that Nikolas Cruz was a danger. There
were people who obeyed the adage 'if you see something, say
something.' The FBI received tips - so did local law enforcement
- that Cruz was in fact threatening to do violence with guns.
They said something but nobody did anything."